Gathering is a great way to add a rich, romantic, and unique look to your sewing projects. If you love adding gathers to skirts, dresses, curtains, or any other item, presser feet designed for gathering can make the process easier and ensure professional, precise results. In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of gathering presser feet, understand how to use them, and learn tips to make the process easier.
1. Gathering Foot
What is a Gathering Foot? A gathering foot is a unique presser foot designed to create small, even gathers along the fabric. It allows you to add embellishments or volume to clothing and other projects easily.
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For domestic machine
For industrial machine
How to Use It
Attach the gathering foot to your machine.
Adjust the stitch length to match the density of gathering you want (a longer stitch will create deeper gathers).
Place the fabric under the foot and begin sewing. The gathers will form evenly at a consistent pace.
2. Adjustable Ruffler Foot
What is a Ruffler Foot? The ruffler foot is a more advanced presser foot that allows you to create both small gathers and defined pleats, thanks to a special mechanism that creates a pleat or gather with each stitch. Despite its intimidating look, it’s easy to use. I’ve personally used this foot for years and highly recommend it for anyone with a home sewing machine.
Ruffler Foot for domestic machine
This version is different from the home version, as it doesn’t create pleats on its own, but has an option for adjusting gathering intervals.
Ruffler Foot for industrial sewing machine
Features and Uses
Different Stitch Levels: The ruffler foot includes an adjustment that lets you choose the number of stitches between each pleat, allowing you to control the density of the gathers or pleats.
Precise Control of Gathering Density: You can decide if you want fine pleats or very dense pleats, depending on the desired design.
How to Use It
Attach the ruffler foot to your sewing machine.
Set the spacing between pleats using the adjustment on the foot. You can choose between a pleat every stitch, every 6 stitches, or every 12 stitches.
Begin sewing, and you’ll see how the foot creates neat pleats along the fabric.
3. Double-Fabric Gathering Foot
What is the Double-Fabric Gathering Foot? This presser foot is designed to create gathers or pleats on the main fabric while attaching it to an additional flat fabric. This foot is especially popular for sewing curtains or multi-layered skirts.
Foot for domestic machine
Foot for industrial machine
Features and Uses
Gathering with Added Fabric: This foot allows you to attach a gathered layer of fabric to a flat layer automatically, creating a complex and impressive result without much effort.
Designing Curtains and Dresses: This foot is perfect for adding layers to evening wear, full skirts, and voluminous curtains.
How to Use It
Attach the double-fabric gathering foot to the machine.
Place the fabric to be gathered under the foot, and insert the additional flat fabric as instructed in the foot’s guide.
Begin sewing, and the foot will create gathers and attach them to the second fabric.
4. Gathering Foot with Elastic Tape for Quick Sewing and Pressing
What is a Gathering Foot with Elastic Tape? This foot is designed for gathering on lighter fabrics and aims to simplify the process. It’s especially suited for thin fabrics and gathers that can be combined with pressing for a smooth, refined effect.
For domestic sewing machine
For industrial sewing machine
How to Use It
Attach the foot to the machine and adjust the stitch length based on the fabric type.
Sew the fabric with the gathering foot, and with light pressing, you can create gathers that look precise and smooth.
Tips for Using Gathering Presser Feet
Know Your Fabric: The type of gathering depends a lot on the fabric you use. Lightweight fabrics can create delicate gathers, while heavier fabrics produce more substantial gathers.
Practice Before Starting the Project: Before starting the actual project, test the foot on a similar piece of fabric to see the result and adjust the settings.
Stitch Length Adjustment: The longer the stitch length, the deeper the gathers or pleats. Practice adjusting the stitch length to reach the desired density.
In Conclusion
Gathering presser feet are a fantastic addition to any sewing machine and open up a world of design possibilities for anyone who loves adding volume and texture to projects. Whether you’re sewing light summer dresses or luxurious curtains, gathering presser feet will help you achieve a professional and precise look quickly and easily.